By Land And By Sea
By Golda Turner
I am a nature lover by heart. My fondest dreams are of standing high on a mountain top surrounded by pristine forest. As I breathe the pine-spiced fresh air, I listen to the chirping of the birds and the rush of a nearby brook or waterfalls. And if the mountaintop has an amazing view of the surrounding area, so much the better. With my trusty camera ever at my side, I feel on top of the world!
Join me as I escape and visit the very northeastern corner of the USA, where the end of the Appalachian mountain chain slowly descends to sea level and reaches the craggy shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
The famous White Mountains of New Hampshire stretch across the border into western Maine, where spectacular views abound. It boasts tall mountains covered with lush forests interspersed with glistening lakes, rushing whitewater rivers, and cascading waterfalls. But Maine is also a seacoast region of rocky inlets, lighthouses, fishing ports, and rugged islands all along its long eastern coast. You can stand for hours at the edge of the shimmering, endless sea watching the mighty waves crash on the seashore. Wherever you turn, you will find endless beauty and peace for your soul.
The possibilities in Maine are endless. You can hike along mountain trails, raft down a river, ski, see the milky way in the clear dark sky, search for moose, or watch bald eagles fly above. You can sail aboard a tall masted schooner, go whale watching, explore lighthouses, ride a ferry, or feel the wind in your hair as you walk along the coast.
And of course, there are many family-friendly activities to round out your day.
Please check state & local regulations as well as individual venues for closures before leaving home.
Acadia National Park (near Bar Harbor) is one of the most scenic parks in the USA. It is a large costal preserve which includes some of the highest mountains on the Eastern seacoast, breathless costal views, spectacular island landscapes, and a large variety of natural habitats. Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak and has a paved road to the top for easy access. It offers incredible views of Penobscot and Frenchman bays, and is famous for having the earliest sunrise time in the USA. Acadia Park rangers lead programs such as hikes, cruises, and children’s nature programs. An accessibility guide to the park is located at https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/upload/AccessibilityGuide.pdf.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch (Bar Harbor, www.barharborwhales.com) This is an experience not to be missed. There is nothing quite like seeing a huge whale breaching in the vast ocean right before your eyes. Enjoy views of Acadia, the islands, lighthouses, and the Downeast coast from the water while on the lookout for wildlife such as porpoise, seals, puffins and other seabirds. Learn about whales and other species in the Gulf of Maine. Wheelchair accessible, scripts available.
Odyssey Whale Watch (Portland, www.odysseywhalewatch.com) Sail out to the whale feeding grounds in Casco Bay to see whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea turtles, sharks, and sea birds.
Schooners and Windjammers Did you ever dream of being a sailor on a tall masted ship? This is your perfect opportunity. Schooner Appledore (Camden, www.appledore2.com/collections/camden-tours) sails afternoon and sunset cruises along the Maine seacoast. Schooners Olad & Cutter Owl (Camden, www.maineschooners.com) offer 2 hour or charter cruises. Labor Day celebrations in Camden include a Windjammer festival where more than a dozen windjammers and schooners parade into the harbor.
Children’s Museum of Maine (Portland, www.kitetails.org) An interactive museum focusing on nature, aquatics, and STEM where visitors learn about their world through dramatic role play, hands-on exploration, navigating immersive environments, and taking safe risks. Featured exhibits include a theater, a diner, play scape, learning physics through balls, a town, a be well center, farmers market, fire truck, car repair shop, lobster trap, farm, post office, tool workshop, outdoor adventures, space shuttle, touch tank, toddler area, and more, The museum is fully handicapped accessible. Special playtimes with reduced sound and lighting are scheduled throughout the year.
Maine Discovery Museum (Bangor, www.mainediscoverymuseum.org) Interactive exhibits invite you to explore the worlds of science, nature, geography, children’s literature, music, art, and anatomy. Exhibits include art scape, body journey, book town, nature trails, sounds, Sun Earth & universe, and trade winds. Wheelchair accessible.
Coastal Children’s Museum (Rockland, www.coastalchildrensmuseum.org) Young children learn to appreciate the Atlantic Coast. Exhibits include sea life, ships, fishing, veterinary office, costumes, kitchen, grocery, wood construction, musical instruments, touch tank, and more.
Playland Adventures (Brewer, www.playlandadventures.com) Indoor adventure for the entire family. Enjoy bouncing on inflatables, ride a mechanical bull, jump on a bungee trampoline, play in the arcade, and more.
Wonder Mountain Family Fun Park (Wells, https://www.wondermountainfunpark.com) A good place for family fun. Ride the go-carts, play miniature golf, navigate through the maze, and enjoy the arcade. Maze and arcade are wheelchair accessible.
Palace Playland (Old Orchard Beach, www.palaceplayland.com) A beachfront amusement park featuring 28 rides and attractions for the entire family. Play in the 200 game arcade and enjoy the fireworks on Thursday nights.
York’s Wild Kingdom (York Beach, www.yorkswildkingdom.com) A private zoo with a nice butterfly exhibit and small amusement park for young children. Wheelchair accessible.
Treworgy Family Orchards (Levant, www.treworgyorchards.com) There is nothing quite like a back-to-nature farm experience. Pick apples or berries, feed the goats, take a hay ride or horse drawn farm tour, and find your way through the 4-acre corn maze.
If you enjoy picking your own fruits and vegetables, you can visit any of over 150 pick-your-own farms in Maine! For a listing, see either www.pickyourown.farm/farms/maine-me/ or www.pickyourown.org/ME.htm.
Maine is my kind of place, just the type of relaxing vacation my family really needs. I am starting to plan my trip to Maine. Are you?